"A lot of colleagues are abstaining for the same reason, which is that they feel that the recommended penalty is harsh.

Source: https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/mps-get-vote-privileges-committee-johnson-report

As for the reason for abstaining from blowing the shofar on Shabbat, that's due to the fear of carrying the instrument itself!

Source: https://www.heritagefl.com/story/2023/09/08/features/7-sweet-facts-about-rosh-hashanah-you-may-not-know/18743.html

A sort of cottage industry has sprouted around the idea of retaining semen and abstaining from masturbation and porn, despite a lack of evidence they work.

Source: https://www.salon.com/2023/02/26/nofap-movement-science/

But after over an hour and a half of discussion, the commission sided with Askin's report, voting 6-0 to deny the developer's request with one commissioner abstaining.

Source: https://biztimes.com/historic-preservation-committee-rejects-developer-request-to-demolish-former-third-ward-tavern/

"He is clearly a hard-working man and is currently abstaining from drugs and alcohol.

Source: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/jealous-lover-lashed-out-pregnant-8705456

He told the BBC: 'I think personally it is such an important act that deliberately abstaining is not really rising to the importance of the occasion.'

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12203771/Partygate-showdown-set-descend-farce-Rishi-Sunak-MPs-skip-vote.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

Muslims are required to spend a period of 30-odd days abstaining from consuming any food and drink during daylight hours as a means of celebrating and reflecting on their faith.

Source: https://www.banburyguardian.co.uk/read-this/ramadan-2023-when-is-muslim-holy-month-in-uk-what-is-it-how-do-you-wish-happy-ramadan-4052511

New mothers are not expected to fast during the month, but Sebina, from London, says that abstaining from this part of the month has actually impacted her negatively in the past.

Source: https://metro.co.uk/2023/03/24/the-positive-effects-of-ramadan-on-mental-health-i-feel-invigorated-18486004/

Players admire his passion and humility; unlike most conductors, he is known for abstaining from solo bows after performances, instead preferring to gesture to highlight the contributions of the members of the orchestra.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/12/arts/music/gustavo-dudamel-new-york-philharmonic.html

She also said she was considering abstaining from a Senate vote on legislation to enable the referendum.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2023/may/28/australia-news-live-anthony-albanese-peter-dutton-lidia-thorpe-richard-marles-indigenous-voice

The commission voted 10-1-1, with Commissioner Jennifer Mushtaler against and Commissioner Grayson Cox abstaining, to recommend Council approve the density bonus.

Source: https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/2023/04/planning-commission-oks-height-boost-for-rainey-tower-amid-resident-pushback/

The vote was overwhelmingly by the House of Bishops, which supported the measure by a margin of 36 to four, with two members of the house abstaining from the vote.

Source: https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2023/02/10/same-sex-marriages-to-receive-blessings-in-the-church-of-england/

Tuesday’s exact vote was 26-5-1, according to The MMQB’s Albert Breer, with the Ravens, Patriots, Bengals, Bears and Lions voting against it and the Raiders abstaining.

Source: https://www.bostonherald.com/2023/05/23/nfl-owners-pass-kickoff-rule-change-despite-strong-opposition-from-coaches-and-players/